Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Comfort

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate in comfort food. It combines the richness of ground beef with the softness of rice and the irresistible melty goodness of cheese. With a blend of familiar ingredients, it delivers that home-cooked taste that warms you from the inside out. The best part? It’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup uncooked rice

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.

3. Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft.

4. Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the beef and seasonings.

6. Pour in the beef broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir until the mixture is well combined and heated through.

7. Transfer the beef and rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

9. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

10. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Total Time: 50-60 minutes (prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 40-50 minutes)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the casserole a spicy kick.

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese varieties such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor.

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas to make the casserole more colorful and nutritious.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so you may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Can I freeze the casserole for later use?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

4. What can I serve this casserole with?

This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or some warm, crusty bread for dipping.

5. Can I use a different type of soup in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a cheese-based soup for different flavors.

6. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. It will work well in this casserole without compromising on flavor.

7. How do I prevent the rice from being too mushy?

Ensure that you follow the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and don’t overcook the casserole. The rice should absorb the liquid as it bakes, and it will stay tender without becoming mushy.

8. Can I add extra cheese to the casserole?

Definitely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the top or mix some into the casserole before baking.

9. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cheese during the last 30 minutes.

10. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, you can add diced green chilies, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the casserole for extra spice.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the perfect dish when you’re craving comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, filling, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will become a go-to favorite. With its hearty combination of beef, rice, and cheese, it’s sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.